New bins for residents in major recycling drive

Residents across the borough will get new bins and new collection dates under council plans to hit a 50% recycling target.

From this week leaflets are hitting doorsteps across the borough about changes being introduced from September that include:

• New 240-litre wheelie bins for mixed paper and card
• A new 180-litre wheelie bin for general rubbish
• Existing bins will instead be used for recycling glass, plastic packaging, cans and cartons
• Council-branded bags so residents with limited outdoor space – such as flats above shops – can recycle more easily
• The ability to recycle household batteries as part of the weekly collection – currently batteries have to be taken to household recycling centres
• New collection days for over 75% of households to improve efficiency and reduce collection vehicle movements. Collections will stay as often as they are now.

The changes are designed to raise the amount of household waste recycled in the borough from under 40% to over 50%, reduce the amount of non-recyclable rubbish by 160,000 tonnes over 10 years, reduce litter by storing recycling in wheelie bins that prevent spillages, and save £5m per year on operational costs.

In addition to receiving leaflets both now and when their new wheelie bins are delivered over the summer, residents can also get more information about these changes at a series of roadshows at:

“Our manifesto commitment is to recycle 50% of Croydon’s household waste, so we are making it even easier for everyone to do their bit for the environment.

“From September residents across the borough, whether they live in a flat or a house, will be able to recycle more of their waste, with new wheelie bins or bags reducing litter.

“This will be a big change for a lot of people, so I would encourage residents to visit our website or attend one of our drop-in sessions over the coming months so they can get all the information they need to be ready for September.”